Permits down but Housing starts UP

According to info released today by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), building permits nationwide fell 8.9 percent in April to a seasonally adjusted rate of 1.489 million –the lowest level since Juen 1997. The also represents the largest percentage decline in 17 years. That said, housing starts increased 2.5 percent from March to 1.528 million units in April. NAHB attributes this to builders working through their permit backlogs.

Any ideas how the national numbers compare to what we are seeing in the Atlanta housing market or in Georgia?